Notably, the viral epidemic – officially named by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as ‘COVID-19’ – has taken more than 1,700 lives in China alone. It has affected people across 25 countries. However, on Sunday, a total of 10,844 patients infected by the deadly virus were discharged from hospital after recovery. India also began a phased release of Wuhan-return people today who were quarantined at the ITBP Chawla Camp in Delhi.

Earlier on Thursday, the Japanese government announced that passengers aged 80 or older will be given the option to disembark the ship if they test negative for COVID-19. Those who meet the age requirement and have pre-existing conditions or are staying in rooms without a balcony will be prioritised for disembarkation. No Indian national falls under this category, eligible for early disembarkation, the statement added on Friday.

The coronavirus outbreak originated in central China’s Hubei province in December last year. It has now spread to several countries, including India.